Capuchin Bicycle: A Scooter/Mountain Bike Hybrid

Monkey Faction is on a mission to get people riding bicycles again. Whether you are young or old, your health and quality of life improves by riding a bike.

In today's culture, bikes are too often viewed as being relics of the past or uncomfortable to ride. The new Capuchin by Monkey Factionaims to bring bike riding dynamically into the present.

Design Team

Chris Dupuis - Team

Dave Goeppner - Team

Michael Kleinheinz - Team

The new Capuchin by Monkey Factioncombines the comfort and ease of a scooter, with the durability and responsiveness of a mountain bike. The result is a bike that is refreshingly new and is incredibly fun to ride.

Since the bicycle was invented in 1817, there have only been a handful of times where its design has been significantly updated. The release of the Capuchin marks one of these times.

It begins with the frame. For over a century, bicycles have used a basic, diamond-shaped frame. The Capuchin tosses that to the side and replaces it with a new, easy-on/off alloy frame with unique dimensions.

The Capuchin's frame is designed around its Scooter Saddle SystemTM, which enables the rider to choose their optimal sitting position for proper leg extension and comfort. The system features a long, slender saddle reminiscent of the banana seats from the 1960s and early 70s.

The Capuchin features BMX-style wheels with massive four-inch tires for a smooth, stable ride. Shimano gears and disc brakes make for easy shifting throughout its 7-speeds, and ample stopping power for any situation.

Monkey Faction is led by three bicycle industry veterans who together have been designing and manufacturing bicycles for over two decades. Monkey Faction is the culmination of their shared vision to create fun, affordable bicycles that motivate people to ride again.

The Capuchin bicycle retails for $449.99, and launched on Kickstarter yesterday. The early bird Kickstarter launch price will be $349 to the first backers.

In the real world... We have instrumentation to measure rolling resistance, there are limits of coarse but a wider tire at the same PSI will have LESS rolling resistance than a narrow tire because the tire will deform less....

The reason you see all these narrow tires is NOT because of function, its for funding road racing. The reason they use narrow tires is to aerodynamically shave off tenths of a second...

Narrow tires have zero purpose on an everyday commuter bike or something to cruise around on..

Great insight Dee An! This was something that was 100% thought of and planned for. The goal for the initial bike launch is to keep cost down and keep the bike extremely affordable. We are equipping the production models with mounting points under the seat for battery mounting. The goal will be to offer an electric motor kit for the bike in near future. This will be a complete kit where you just mount up the battery under the seat and install complete rear wheel and you will be ready to go!

We are also planning to offer a semi-hard sided, triangular bag that will go right under the seat area and feature complete zip out sides for easy access from either side and large storage. This will be an aftermarket accessory in the coming months.

Definitely love the ideas and possibilities that the bike represents. We are always looking at new ideas and directions to go! Thanks for the thought!!

The bike is actually one of the most comfortable bikes you can ride! It is funny to hear a comment about discomfort and poor reliability from a person who has never ridden the bike.

Where to start here. The bike is 35lbs and utilizes a full alloy frame. It is not heavy by $400 retail bike standards.

The 4.0 tires serve two purposes. First they hardly ever need air compared to a 2.0 tire which needs to be filled up weekly. Second they roll super easy and stay in motion very easily. If you leave near the beach you can ride them on the sand as I do.

The bicycle is a foot forward design, so your feet are always in front of you. This rocks you back onto your sit bones and keeps you in a much more upright position. The saddle is designed for comfort not speed. Think of a beach cruiser saddle! Wide and comfortable like this one.

It is probably the most reliable bike you can buy. You never need to worry about your seat being stolen. If you have friends over most can ride the bike without any adjustment. The high volume tires hardly ever need air. You can run over things without worry and the alloy frame is very durable. Easily one of the most durable bikes you can find under $1000.

The seat is a very special tapered design that allows a narrower front section for smaller riders and a wider rear section for larger, taller riders. It is high density foam that is very comfortable. This is truly one of the most comfortable bikes you will ever ride. It is not a road racing bike, but it was never meant to be. This is a cruiser for trips to the coffee shop, rides along the beach or your favorite path. The Capuchin is a super durable, reliable fun cruiser that is the easiest bike you will ever own!

Personally, I get it. It's a step through frame with a nice upright cruiser position, and beefy mechanics so it can actually handle modern (i.e. concrete, gravel, sand, brick) terrain. The step over style frame and thin tires were invented before paved roads. Frankly bicycle shape is pretty arbitrary anyway and I applaud this inexpensive and well designed alternative. And thank you for making a tall person size! Tall people have it tough with anthropometric sizing.

I hope you are planning the electrify it in the next model. This seems perfect for a rugged electric commuter.

Joshua, love that you like the Capuchin bike! Our goal was really to make a comfortable, fun, easy to ride bike that brings old school mini bike elements together with modern mountain bike and scooter features. We have worked hard to make sure the ergonomics keep the rider in a very comfortable upright position while still making the bike fun and lively to ride!

Regarding the electrified version. It is already in the works! In fact the Capuchin will come with the necessary battery mounts under the seat and in the near future we will offer a 350W rear wheel motor kit that is 100% compatible with this bike. This will give people the ability to have both a pedal bike or an electric bike without much effort to change it over!